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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Chill Factor (1999). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Ten years following a disastrous covert military experiment on a secluded Pacific island that resulted in the deaths of 18 American servicemen, Dr. Richard Long, portrayed by David Paymer, attempts to erase the traumatic memories of his past. Residing in the quaint town of Jerome, Montana, he continues to perform scientific experiments at the local US Army base, though he finds more fulfillment in fly-fishing alongside his friend Tim Mason, played by Skeet Ulrich, who has a rather troubled history.

Long’s peaceful existence is shattered when Colonel Andrew Brynner, a former military officer portrayed by Peter Firth, comes knocking. Brynner, who spent a decade in Leavenworth for crimes he did not commit, is now seeking vengeance against the government that wronged him. He has gathered a group of high-tech former US Army soldiers turned terrorists, including the cold and calculating Vaughn, played by Hudson Leick, with a plan to steal and sell “Elvis”—a dangerously unstable blue crystal substance developed during Long’s experiments—to the highest international bidder. Brynner aims to settle the score for being made a scapegoat in the aftermath of the mishap.

However, the plot thickens as Long has already entrusted “Elvis” to Tim, providing him specific instructions to keep it below 50°F to prevent it from detonating and causing widespread destruction.

Things escalate when Mason and Arlo, portrayed by Cuba Gooding Jr., a quick-witted ice cream delivery man, encounter Brynner. Though their initial interactions are filled with tension—Arlo only agreeing to transport the volatile substance under duress—they discover a deeper connection as they work together to evade Brynner and his crew. They embark on a perilous journey toward Fort Magruder, located 90 miles away, facing both Brynner’s relentless pursuit and the local deputy, Pappas, who is also hot on their trail.

Upon reaching the base, Arlo and Mason are ambushed, and Brynner reveals his plan to detonate the device at an abandoned weapons test site, eliminating them to leave no witnesses. Just as it seems all hope is lost, military reinforcements arrive, rescuing the duo before a catastrophic explosion claims Brynner and his team. The victorious Colonel Vitelli, played by Daniel Hugh Kelly, commends their bravery, but Arlo and Mason confront him about exposing the government’s long-term engagement with unstable nuclear weapons. In a twist of fate, Vitelli offers them hush money while also warning them of dire consequences should they dare to divulge any information about the incident or the weapon’s existence. Ultimately, the three of them depart the scene via helicopter, their fates intertwined in silence.

Timeline

Track the key events of Chill Factor (1999) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Military Experiment Disaster

A covert military experiment conducted on a secluded Pacific island ends in tragedy, resulting in the deaths of 18 American servicemen. This disastrous event haunts Dr. Richard Long, who attempts to come to terms with the trauma that follows him over the years.

Ten years prior Secluded Pacific Island

Life in Jerome, Montana

Dr. Richard Long, portrayed by David Paymer, relocates to the quaint town of Jerome, Montana, where he tries to rebuild his life. While performing scientific experiments at a local US Army base, he finds solace in fly-fishing with his friend Tim Mason, played by Skeet Ulrich.

Present day Jerome, Montana

Colonel Brynner's Return

Colonel Andrew Brynner, a former military officer, confronts Long after spending a decade in prison for crimes he did not commit. Seeking vengeance against the government he believes betrayed him, Brynner is determined to make those responsible pay for their actions.

Present day

Gathering a Team

Brynner assembles a team of former US Army soldiers who have turned rogue, including the cold and calculating Vaughn. Together, they devise a plan to steal 'Elvis', a highly dangerous blue crystal substance developed during Long's experiments.

Present day

The Instructions

Unbeknownst to Brynner, Long had already entrusted Tim with 'Elvis'. He provides Tim with specific instructions on how to handle the volatile substance, emphasizing the critical need to keep it below 50°F to prevent a catastrophic explosion.

Present day

Encounter with Brynner

Tim Mason and Arlo, an ice cream delivery man played by Cuba Gooding Jr., have a tense encounter with Brynner. Under duress, Arlo agrees to transport 'Elvis', and the three men find themselves caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

Present day

The Perilous Journey

As they embark on a perilous journey towards Fort Magruder, the duo faces relentless pursuit from Brynner and his crew. With the threat of discovery, they also have to evade local deputy Pappas, who is equally determined to intercept them.

Present day Fort Magruder, 90 miles away

Ambush at the Base

Upon reaching the military base, Arlo and Mason are ambushed by Brynner and his team. They discover that Brynner plans to detonate the device at an abandoned weapons test site, aiming to leave no witnesses behind.

Present day Military Base

Rescue from Catastrophe

Just as Brynner seems poised to eliminate them, military reinforcements arrive just in time. They manage to rescue Arlo and Mason, preventing the imminent explosion that would have claimed their lives.

Present day Military Base

Confrontation with Colonel Vitelli

After the rescue, Colonel Vitelli commends Arlo and Mason for their bravery. However, the duo confronts him regarding the government's ongoing engagement with unstable nuclear weapons, seeking accountability for the potential catastrophe.

Present day

A Twist of Fate

In a surprising turn, Vitelli offers the pair hush money to keep quiet about the incident and the existence of the weapon. He warns them of severe consequences if they choose to expose the government's actions.

Present day

Departing in Silence

Ultimately, Arlo and Mason depart via helicopter, their fates now intertwined in a shared silence. The events leave them burdened with the weight of unspoken truths and the dark reality of government deception.

Present day

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Chill Factor (1999) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Dr. Richard Long

Dr. Richard Long is a scientist haunted by the past, seeking redemption through his work and fly-fishing. His inner turmoil is palpable as he grapples with the consequences of his research and the volatile substance he created. Long's complexities lie in his attempts to erase painful memories while being thrust into chaos.

🧑‍🔬 Scientist 😔 Traumatized 🔬 Ethical Dilemma

Tim Mason

Tim Mason, portrayed by Skeet Ulrich, serves as a loyal friend to Long, embodying a troubled yet resourceful character. He balances a light-hearted demeanor with the weight of their mission, ultimately showing resilience as he navigates through conflict while safeguarding the precarious blue crystal. His journey highlights personal growth amid chaos.

🤝 Friendship 💪 Resilience 🎣 Fly-Fishing

Colonel Andrew Brynner

Colonel Andrew Brynner is a vengeful former military officer whose past fuels his twisted mission. After serving years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, his character is marked by determination and ruthlessness. Brynner's transformation from a scapegoat to a calculated antagonist drives the conflict, making him a formidable foe.

🎖️ Military ⚔️ Vengeance 🥵 Antagonist

Arlo

Arlo, played by Cuba Gooding Jr., is a witty ice cream delivery man who unexpectedly finds himself entangled in a high-stakes adventure. His quick thinking and charm add a dynamic element to the film as he forms a bond with Mason and confronts the dangers ahead. Arlo's character is marked by humor and bravery in trying circumstances.

🍦 Humor 😄 Quick-Witted 🧗‍♂️ Courage

Setting

Uncover the settings of Chill Factor (1999), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

Contemporary

The events in 'Chill Factor' unfold in a contemporary setting, roughly ten years following a catastrophic military experiment. During this period, elements of vengeance and government accountability come to the forefront, highlighting a tension between individual actions and broader military ethics.

Location

Jerome, Montana, Pacific Island, Fort Magruder

Jerome, Montana is a quaint town where Dr. Richard Long attempts to find solace in fly-fishing while grappling with his past. The secluded Pacific Island is infamous for a disastrous military experiment that once took place there, leading to significant loss of life. Fort Magruder, a military base located 90 miles away, serves as a critical point in the movie as the protagonists attempt to confront a looming threat.

🏞️ Town 🏝️ Island 🏰 Military Base

Themes

Explore the core themes of Chill Factor (1999). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


⚖️

Justice

The quest for justice is a significant theme as Colonel Brynner seeks retribution against a government that wronged him. The film raises questions about the consequences of military experimentation and the need for accountability from those in power. It emphasizes the struggle between personal motives and overarching societal implications.

🧪

Science & Ethics

The misuse of scientific discovery plays a critical role in the narrative, particularly the dangerous substance known as 'Elvis.' The ethical dilemmas surrounding military experiments and their unforeseen repercussions are examined, particularly in how they impact innocent lives and intertwine with personal vendettas.

🚀

Adventure

As Long and Mason embark on a perilous journey to transport the unstable substance, adventure unfolds amid high stakes and quick escapes. The thrill of the chase against Brynner and his team propels the narrative forward, exemplifying bravery and camaraderie in the face of danger.

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